RECOGNIZING CADET MAJOR ARTHI GOURAVELLI

On 2026-05-20, Representative Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL-12) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING CADET MAJOR ARTHI GOURAVELLI" in the House.

RECOGNIZING CADET MAJOR ARTHI GOURAVELLI

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E469] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CADET MAJOR ARTHI GOURAVELLI ______ HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cadet Major Arthi Gouravelli, an extraordinary young leader from Hillsborough County, Florida, whose achievements have brought tremendous pride to her school, her community, and our Nation. Cadet Major Arthi Gouravelli, a junior at Middleton High School, has earned one of the most distinguished honors in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps history. She has been named the national recipient of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution JROTC Award, making her the number one JROTC cadet among more than 600,000 cadets worldwide across all branches of service. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to Cadet Gouravelli's exceptional leadership, unwavering discipline, academic excellence, and outstanding character. Her journey to this national recognition began with selection by the Tampa Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, followed by victories at the state level in Florida, before ultimately achieving the highest honor at the national level. In doing so, she distinguished herself among cadets from across the United States and Department of Defense Education Activity schools overseas. Her achievement places her at the pinnacle of more than 3,400 JROTC programs worldwide, representing every branch of the United States Armed Forces. These programs include approximately 1,700 Army JROTC programs serving more than 314,000 cadets, 878 Air Force JROTC programs serving over 125,000 cadets, 573 Navy JROTC programs serving nearly 100,000 cadets, and 278 Marine Corps JROTC programs serving approximately 50,000 cadets, along with additional Coast Guard and Space Force affiliated programs. To rise above such an accomplished and competitive field is truly extraordinary. Cadet Major Gouravelli's success reflects not only her own determination and work ethic, but also the strength of the educational and leadership opportunities provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools and its dedicated JROTC instructors and mentors. At a time when our Nation looks to the next generation for leadership, service, and integrity, Cadet Major Gouravelli stands as an inspiring example of what young Americans can achieve through hard work, commitment, and a dedication to serving others. Her accomplishments embody the very best values of the JROTC program: citizenship, character, leadership, and service before self. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I congratulate Cadet Major Arthi Gouravelli on this historic achievement and thank her for representing Florida's students and future leaders with such distinction. I wish her continued success in all her future endeavors. ____________________